Ross Stores reported earnings per share for the third quarter
ended October 28, 2017 of 0.72 dollar, a 16 percent increase
from 0.62 dollar last year. Net earnings grew to 274 million dollars, up
from 245 million dollars in the prior year. The company’s third quarter
sales rose 8 percent to 3.3 billion dollars, with comparable store sales up
4 percent on top of a 7 percent increase last year.

Commenting on the positive trading, Barbara Rentler, the company’s Chief
Executive Officer, said in a press release, “Our third quarter sales and
earnings outperformed our expectations despite being up against our
toughest prior year comparisons and two major hurricanes during the
quarter. We are pleased with these strong results, which reflect our
continued market share gains in a challenging retail environment.”

For the first nine months of fiscal 2017, earnings per share were 2.36
dollars, up 15 percent on an 11 percent gain last year. Net earnings
were 912 million dollars compared to 817 million dollars in the prior year.
Sales year-to-date rose 8 percent to 10.1 billion dollars, with comparable
store sales up 4 percent.

“For the 13 weeks ending January 27, 2018, comparable store sales are
now forecast to increase 2 percent to 3 percent versus a 4 percent gain
last year. Earnings per share for the 14 weeks ending February 3, 2018 are
projected to be 0.88 dollar to 0.92 dollar, up from 0.77 dollar in the
prior year period. Based on this updated guidance and our year-to-date
results, we are now planning earnings per share for fiscal 2017 to be in
the range of 3.24 dollars to 3.28 dollars. Both our fourth quarter and full
year guidance include an approximate 0.08 dollar benefit to earnings per
share from the 53rd week in fiscal 2017,” added Rentler.